The role of family in Chinese international student mobility under the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Amid the pandemic, the quality of international higher education has seen a decline, due in part to the challenges posed by online classes, and the behaviour associated with international student mobility (ISM) is deemed to present significant health risks. Most of the existing research primarily focuses on examining the impact of the pandemic on students’ mobility experiences, with little consideration given to the influence of family in the educational migration process in these unique circumstances. Through semi-structured interviews with 18 Chinese postgraduates enrolled in UK universities during 2020–2021, this study reveals that familial connections in the host country have become significant determinants for migration decisions during the pandemic. Additionally, it underlines the reciprocal nature of migration decisions, with individual migration behaviour impacting the lives of their family members, leading to behavioural changes driven by the principles of ‘responsibility’ and ‘solidarity.’.